Export Orientation of Nonmanufacturing Businesses in Nonmetropolitan Communities

Efforts to expand the economic base in nonmetropolitan communities traditionally focus on manufacturing. The case for a nonmanufacturing focus is presented in this paper, and survey data used to determine the actual basic role of these industries in nonmetropolitan communities. Community and firm characteristics are examined by regression analysis to determine factors associated with higher export levels. While only a minority of the nonmanufacturing businesses surveyed were export oriented, these were strongly so. Larger size, nonlocal ownership, and larger nonmetropolitan markets are associated with higher export levels but nearness to a metropolitan market is not.